The Upper Tellico area is full of what any ATVer is looking for rocky and rough with sections criss-crossed by tree roots. There are lots of very steep, slippery sections and the occasional mud hole.
This ATVer's dream is located in the Nantahala National Forest. It is a short drive from Murphy, North Carolina, in the southwestern part of the state where it meets Tennessee and Georgia.
The name Tellico, means "land of the midday sun." The Indians felt this describes the area due to it's deep mountain gorges and valleys that are fully illuminated, but only when the sun is directly overhead. When the USDA Forest Service took it over, they made it available to the public and here is where the ATV enthusiast can now run like the wind in the land of the midday sun.
There are more than 40 miles of ATV trails for you to ride on. It would be a definite challenge to try to ride entire network of ATV trails in one weekend. Different trails are for different levels of ATV experience and are clearly marked.
The harder trails are full of white knuckle moments. You will have to take some of these trails with a strong heart due to the sheer roughness of the terrain. There are a lot of rock and some scary drop off areas. Your ATV will be challenged by twists and turns, uphill and steep down hill. Don't attempt these trails unless you possess advanced ATV riding skills.
The other ATV trails are a little more mellow but have plenty of excitement as well. If you are a beginner ATVer, this would be the best area for you to start. It will give you plenty of thrills as it also has some great hills and some fairly steep inclines to hone your ATV navigation techniques.
Since this ATV trail does not allow you to camp at any point on the trail, it is best if you check out the several camping areas around the Nantahala National Forest, or if your idea of camping includes electricity and running water, there are several small hotels and B&Bs in the area that welcome ATV riders our for a weekend of fun in the land of the midday sun.
